[mkenyon]

How about upgrading most of the system this year and then upgrading the GPU next year? CPU and RAM requirements for games aren't really gonna change all that much in the next 12 months are they?

Well, I think they might actually. Right now, the main deal is that games which are CPU bound are because the games in specific like 1 or 2 really speedy threads/cores. As a result of this, the 2500K has stayed the preeminent powerhouse in price:performance. With UE4 and a host of 'next gen' games right around the corner, I think we might end up seeing more engines encoded to be 'n-threaded', which means that they will be able to use as many cores as possible. It depends on what the dev kits for the new consoles are. This one factor might make an i7 a much better long term pick than the i5, but this is entirely speculation.

[KoruptData]

Replaced my 6850 with a 7850 today. Running games so much better, very happy camper.

[The Technomancer]

Godamnit. I get almost everything installed and I discover that my graphics card needs two six pin power cords and the 450W power supply comes with one six pin and an eight pin split into two four pins. Looks like I need to buy another power supply tomorrow

[purvispisgah]

So GAF, I bought the following components about 3 years ago (on GAF recommendation of course): 1 x Rosewill R901-P BK Triple 120mm Cooling Fan, Mesh Design Front Panel, ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 1 x ASUS M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard 1 x HIS H489F1GP Radeon HD 4890 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card 1 x Antec EarthWatts EA750 750W Continuous Power ATX12V version 2.3 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC "compatible with Core i7/Core i5" Power Supply 1 x AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor HDZ720WFGIBOX 1 x G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ 1 x ASUS VH222H Black 21.5" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 1 x Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive 1 x LG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE Model GH22NP20 - OEM I'm now looking to make a few upgrades. First, I would like to switch to an HTPC case. Looking at Newegg, there seems to be a big price difference between the Lian Li cases and others. Is there a big difference? Is Lian Li that much better? I don't have any particular preferences regarding size, but it needs to hold at least as big a videocard as what I currently have (4890) and I would like for it to be black. Next, I'd like to get an SSD. I'm thinking that 128GB is probably the sweet spot. If I get a 64GB I might have to end up doing a little more file management than I would like. 256 seems much too large, especially given the price. Are there specific brands and/or features I should be considering when looking at SSDs? The final two upgrades are optional: processor and GPU. I have been extremely happy with this system over the last three years and I don't play a ton of really graphically intense games, but the extra horsepower would probably be nice for Metro 2033, Crysis titles, and newer games like Witcher 2 when I get around to playing them. As for the processor, I would really like to stick with something AMD as I don't want to have to change my motherboard as well. I know that the GPU is far more important for games than the processor, but will my current processor hold me back, especially if I upgrade the GPU? Finally, what do people recommend as far as wireless M/KB is concerned? I am going to be using this setup on a couch exclusively. I am looking to spend no more the $500 for everything, though I could be convinced to spend a little more if people are persuasive. I look forward to responses and appreciate everyone's' time. This thread is really great.

I never did get any responses on this. Any help would be great.

Additionally, any pointers on what kind of T.V. I should be looking for to complete this comfy couch gaming PC? My budget there is probably ~$1000

I'm still kicking myself for not jumping on that Samsung 128GB SSD at Newegg today. Got caught up at work and it was gone. Curses.

[_Isaac]

Godamnit. I get almost everything installed and I discover that my graphics card needs two six pin power cords and the 450W power supply comes with one six pin and an eight pin split into two four pins. Looks like I need to buy another power supply tomorrow

So you were able to start up and install windows without that other power cord plugged in? Mine needed two as well, but it told me to connect it as soon as the BIOS tried to start up. Also the manual for the gtx670 sucks. The instructions are basically "Put in the card. Connect the wires." I was expecting so much more detail. :p

[The Technomancer]

So you were able to start up and install windows without that other power cord plugged in? Mine needed two as well, but it told me to connect it as soon as the BIOS tried to start up. Also the manual for the gtx670 sucks. The instructions are basically "Put in the card. Connect the wires." I was expecting so much more detail. :p

Er, no, by installed I meant screwed into the case. I haven't run any software yet. Ugh, its annoying, I just grabbed the recommendations from the OP, I didn't even forsee this being a problem.

[Whooter]

Okay, GAF, be gentle: Is it possible for a power surge to cause an unintentional overclock?

Why do you ask?

[RedSwirl]

Replaced my 6850 with a 7850 today. Running games so much better, very happy camper.

Okay see, I'd like to know what the actual difference is between a 6850 and 7850? They're like the same level but separated by a year right?

[_Isaac]

Er, no, by installed I meant screwed into the case. I haven't run any software yet. Ugh, its annoying, I just grabbed the recommendations from the OP, I didn't even forsee this being a problem.

I saw guide suggesting you put together the necessary stuff outside of the case first, and then turn it on to check if everything is all right. That way it'll be easier to straighten out the problem since you haven't put it in the cramped case yet.

[Shambles]

Er, no, by installed I meant screwed into the case. I haven't run any software yet. Ugh, its annoying, I just grabbed the recommendations from the OP, I didn't even forsee this being a problem.

Does your GPU come with a 2xmolex to 6-pin PCIE adapter? I don't think that's a PCIE power plug you're looking at. If it's 4+4 it's probably the CPU power connection. Your power supply might only have one six pin PCIE connection.

[Unknown Soldier]

Why doesn't GAF have a "I need a new laptop!" thread? Buying laptops is confusing and a pain in the ass since you generally can't build them yourself.

[Lactose_Intolerant]

Why doesn't GAF have a "I need a new laptop!" thread? Buying laptops is confusing and a pain in the ass since you generally can't build them yourself.

is this a joke? There's a laptop thread on the 1st page. Or do a search

[toastyToast]

Okay, GAF, be gentle: Is it possible for a power surge to cause an unintentional overclock?

Nope

Which reminds me of a thread I saw years back where this dude asked if he could overclock his computer if he changed the voltage setting on his power supply from 110 to 230

[Ceebs]

is this a joke? There's a laptop thread on the 1st page. Or do a search

To be fair the laptop thread comes across as a gaming laptop thread rather than an all purpose one.

[The Technomancer]

Does your GPU come with a 2xmolex to 6-pin PCIE adapter? I don't think that's a PCIE power plug you're looking at. If it's 4+4 it's probably the CPU power connection. Your power supply might only have one six pin PCIE connection.

Some guy on a google search also said that my GPU should have come with that adapter (6870) but for the life of me I can't find it anywhere in the box.

[mkenyon]

I never did get any responses on this. Any help would be great. 1) Additionally, any pointers on what kind of T.V. I should be looking for to complete this comfy couch gaming PC? My budget there is probably ~$1000

2) I'm now looking to make a few upgrades. First, I would like to switch to an HTPC case. Looking at Newegg, there seems to be a big price difference between the Lian Li cases and others. Is there a big difference? Is Lian Li that much better? I don't have any particular preferences regarding size, but it needs to hold at least as big a videocard as what I currently have (4890) and I would like for it to be black. 3) Next, I'd like to get an SSD. I'm thinking that 128GB is probably the sweet spot. If I get a 64GB I might have to end up doing a little more file management than I would like. 256 seems much too large, especially given the price. Are there specific brands and/or features I should be considering when looking at SSDs? 4) The final two upgrades are optional: processor and GPU. As for the processor, I would really like to stick with something AMD as I don't want to have to change my motherboard as well. I know that the GPU is far more important for games than the processor, but will my current processor hold me back, especially if I upgrade the GPU? 5) Finally, what do people recommend as far as wireless M/KB is concerned? I am going to be using this setup on a couch exclusively.

1) Low input lag, a search on AVS Forum should give you some results. The TV thread on GAF as well might have some good answers. Just don't say specifically LCD or Plasma, or you may cause a new world war.

2) They're made entirely from aluminum, insane QC standards, and peerless fit and finish. The latter two don't really help in any way other than aesthetics if that's important to you. The Fractal Design Node 605 should be hitting shelves within a few months, should be right around $100, and is really nice.





3) I agree. Crucial M4, Corsair Force GT, Samsung 830. Reliability and customer service are more important than anything really, and these are the three you want for that.

4) No place for you to go really without doing a motherboard/ram/proc. The videocard is an option. Yes, your processor will hold you back in games where the CPU matters, but it won't in games where it doesn't. Unreal Engine, Civ V, SC2, and a host of games will not net you as high of a gain as others would by a videocard update. Reasons are in the first post on this page. You can get by, but you'll want to do the upgrade within a year I'd venture. In the meantime, you can overclock for some extra power for free.

5) No idea. I'll let others chime in.

Okay see, I'd like to know what the actual difference is between a 6850 and 7850? They're like the same level but separated by a year right?

Check the link to find out.
couldn't help myself on this one

[Ceebs]

That is sexy as hell.

[IcyRhythms]

Really would like to upgrade to a new MOBO and drop my 570 for a 670 and another one for SLI down the road. Just wish I knew how long the setup would last given my 8GB RAM and 2600K

[Unknown Soldier]

is this a joke? There's a laptop thread on the 1st page. Or do a search

Cut me some slack, if GAF threads don't get posted to 10 times a minute, they fall off the first page right away.

Anyways I found it, thanks.

[MrBig]

That is sexy as hell.

Except for that huge logo on the front. I tried to find a Fractal logo on my R3 and couldn't find one at all. I love it when companies are proud enough of their products to not put logos on them, especially when it's something other people will see.

[buhdeh]

Some guy on a google search also said that my GPU should have come with that adapter (6870) but for the life of me I can't find it anywhere in the box.

I'm pretty sure they come with almost every card now. My 7770 OC only requires one 6pin connector and it still came with a converter. It's probably only a few bucks to buy one anyways.

[mkenyon]

Except for that huge logo on the front. I tried to find a Fractal logo on my R3 and couldn't find one at all. I love it when companies are proud enough of their products to not put logos on them, especially when it's something other people will see.

Agreed, it's surprising to me that they put it that huge on the front in such contrasting color. The sugar cube trick would probably fix it, but come on. I think that's pictures of the prototype, might want the big bold logo to keep people remembering during something as insane as computex. We'll see.

[MisterNoisy]

Some guy on a google search also said that my GPU should have come with that adapter (6870) but for the life of me I can't find it anywhere in the box.

I've got a whole box full of them. If you're in the US, I'll happily mail one to you.

[Costcosaurus]

Does anyone know what kind of power supply I will need for a video card like this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161406

Would a power supply from around 5 years ago work for this, or will I have to buy a higher voltage one?

[Le-mo]

Ok, Gaf. I need your help. I'm trying to help a friend install Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit on his Vaio laptop (VGN-FZ340E) and I can't get it to boot from the CD. I went into the Bios and set the boot priority to the CD drive to no avail. I even tried to run it from my computer and it still won't load. I checked to see if the CD drive was disabled somehow, but it is not. Is there anything else I can do? He is currently running Windows 7 Starter.

[JayDub]

So after drooling over the m-ITX build, and realizing that im unwilling to wait for the GTX 690..I tried to itemize a standard ATX build. Tell me what you guys think, suggestions, pick it apart..etc. Not going for an SSD as I don't want to fiddle with configuring which programs go to which drive and all that good stuff. i have always hated dealing with multiple drives in my systems. I love the speed, but I'll wait until I can get 512GB for about $200. Maybe in a couple of years. Anyways, here we go:

Case: NZXT Phantom 410
Mobo: Asrock Extreme 4, Z77
CPU: Intel 3570K
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 16gb (4x4)
GPU: EVGA GTX 670 SLI
HDD: Samsung F3 Spinpoint 1TB
PSU: Corsair AX 850
DVD Drive: Samsung DVD-RW
OS: Windows 7 Professional
PCI wifi card
4 140mm Corsair fans
3 120mm Corsair fans

Will come out to over $2600 after tax and shipping..

I want to order 4 140mm fans to do a push/pull setup for the H100, any idea if I have the clearance for that on the Phantom 410 case? 2 fan on the exterior, rad+2fans on the interior. Also, exhaust or intake for the H100? Heat rises up, but all the Corsair material recommends it to exhaust.

Also, is Home Premium sufficient for a primarily gaming PC?

[irishcow]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to organize computer cables? The cables around my desk are pretty crazy. Whats the best way to go about doing it? Anything I can buy that will help? Thanks.

[LordAlu]

Ok, Gaf. I need your help. I'm trying to help a friend install Windows 7 Ultimate 64-Bit on his Vaio laptop (VGN-FZ340E) and I can't get it to boot from the CD. I went into the Bios and set the boot priority to the CD drive to no avail. I even tried to run it from my computer and it still won't load. I checked to see if the CD drive was disabled somehow, but it is not. Is there anything else I can do? He is currently running Windows 7 Starter.

What happens if you go to the BIOS and set it to only load from CD (i.e. remove all other boot options like the hard drive and so on)? Does it even try to spin up the CD?

[AkIRA_22]

I love Fractal but the white logo isn't very HTPC compatible. It's beautiful otherwise.

[kitch9]

Godamnit. I get almost everything installed and I discover that my graphics card needs two six pin power cords and the 450W power supply comes with one six pin and an eight pin split into two four pins. Looks like I need to buy another power supply tomorrow

The 8pin will be for the cpu surely?

[kitch9]

So after drooling over the m-ITX build, and realizing that im unwilling to wait for the GTX 690..I tried to itemize a standard ATX build. Tell me what you guys think, suggestions, pick it apart..etc. Not going for an SSD as I don't want to fiddle with configuring which programs go to which drive and all that good stuff. i have always hated dealing with multiple drives in my systems. I love the speed, but I'll wait until I can get 512GB for about $200. Maybe in a couple of years. Anyways, here we go: Case: NZXT Phantom 410 Mobo: Asrock Extreme 4, Z77 CPU: Intel 3570K CPU Cooler: Corsair H100 RAM: Corsair Vengeance 16gb (4x4) GPU: EVGA GTX 670 SLI HDD: Samsung F3 Spinpoint 1TB PSU: Corsair AX 850 DVD Drive: Samsung DVD-RW OS: Windows 7 Professional PCI wifi card 4 140mm Corsair fans 3 120mm Corsair fans Will come out to over $2600 after tax and shipping.. I want to order 4 140mm fans to do a push/pull setup for the H100, any idea if I have the clearance for that on the Phantom 410 case? 2 fan on the exterior, rad+2fans on the interior. Also, exhaust or intake for the H100? Heat rises up, but all the Corsair material recommends it to exhaust. Also, is Home Premium sufficient for a primarily gaming PC?

My advice get a small 60gb fast ssd and run it as a cache for your hdd via Intel RST. No messing about with where to install your programs and the speed is amazing for all your data.

[JayDub]

My advice get a small 60gb fast ssd and run it as a cache for your hdd via Intel RST. No messing about with where to install your programs and the speed is amazing for all your data.

Only 60gb? That will be sufficient? I need to research this.

[The Technomancer]

The 8pin will be for the cpu surely?

Yeah it is, I'm just going to grab an adapter from a local place today. Still pisses me off though.

[knitoe]

Only 60gb? That will be sufficient? I need to research this.

Believe, you could go as low as 30GB SSD as a cache drive.

[Negaiido]

My advice get a small 60gb fast ssd and run it as a cache for your hdd via Intel RST. No messing about with where to install your programs and the speed is amazing for all your data.

Just so we both know it, how do you do that in Intel RST? I can't seem to do anything in that program. I've used troubleshoot and apparently this is the way to do that.
It seems to enabled standard in my settings and I can't even change the option to enable or disable.


1. Under 'Status' or 'Manage', in the storage system view, click the array you want to manage. The element properties are now displayed on the left.
2. In the Advanced section, click 'Enable' or 'Disable' depending on the option available.
3. Click 'Yes' to confirm.
4. The page refreshes and now displays the new setting.

[Xyphie]

I love Fractal but the white logo isn't very HTPC compatible. It's beautiful otherwise.

They are actually removing/changing the logo because of complaints they've received on forums according to a Swedish hardware site.

Source: http://youtu.be/PZoiWHNpI3o?t=1m50s (In Swedish though)

[Lateraleye]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to organize computer cables? The cables around my desk are pretty crazy. Whats the best way to go about doing it? Anything I can buy that will help? Thanks.

These are my best friend, and would be yours. I just cleaned up a bunch of mine under my desk and it looks so clean now. For cords that have a lot of extra length, fold them together and tie. I'd also advise moving to a wireless keyboard and mouse if you haven't done so already. Makes a huge difference.

[Shambles]

They are actually removing/changing the logo because of complaints they've received on forums according to a Swedish hardware site. Source: http://youtu.be/PZoiWHNpI3o?t=1m50s (In Swedish though)

PCPer reported the same thing. I think it was in their podcast, not an article though. Either way it does look sweet but for an HTPC box it's lacking an optical bay.

Edit: Ah there's a slim bay, damn that's slick:

[Lateraleye]

Last night I put together my first build at last. Took about 3 hours to do. Everything worked perfectly on first boot. I was stunned because somehow I usually manage to forget something when I'm working on a technical project. The Samsung 830 SSD is so bloody fast it blows my mind. The EFI splash screen comes up for about 5-10 seconds, then Windows loads for less then 5 seconds and BOOM, ready for login. I don't even mind that I didn't get it for that awesome sale price yesterday. I have to get used to having a big case on the desk with fan always running after being laptop only the last couple of years. No regrets.

Wanna know what the biggest roadblock was though? Fitting the motherboard into the stupid back ports plate on the case. That took me at least half an hour. Bending the prongs all sorts of ways to get everything to slide in. Kept catching on the DVI mostly. It doesn't look great but the ports seem to be reachable enough. Man that was a pain. I also messed up by using the wrong screws to secure the holes in the motherboard to the standoffs but it seems snug minus the upper right hole for some reason.

I felt so proud of myself after it was all done though. I've already started planning out the next build just for kicks with lessons learned from this one. I can see how it can become quite the addiction.

[Lovely Salsa]

Guys, I don't have a cd/dvd drive on my pc

I need to install a driver that is on a cd, is there a way I can use my macbook pro to install the driver to my pc?

[extremepabs]

I am just putting the pieces together on my new build and was hoping for a bit of advice.

I have a Bitfenix Merc case, I5 3570k processor and a gigabyte z77 d3h motherboard, 8 gig of corsair vengeance ram. I also have a wireless card to add and a 560ti graphics card.

So far I have installed the power supply, motherboard,processor,ram, DVDRW, SATA hard drive.

My question is should I install windows etc prior to installing the graphics card? I know the motherboard has onboard graphics so was wondering if there may be conflicts when I try to install if both are connected.

[blackprophesy]

Guys, I don't have a cd/dvd drive on my pc I need to install a driver that is on a cd, is there a way I can use my macbook pro to install the driver to my pc?

Can't you just download the driver somewhere? Or transfer it over from the disk to a USB stick using the Mac?

[Lovely Salsa]

Where can I get the drivers for my usb bluetooth? Its called Generic bluetooth radio

I got it with a cd but the cd is broken :/

[Lovely Salsa]

Can't you just download the driver somewhere? Or transfer it over from the disk to a USB stick using the Mac?

The cd is broken, I see now :/

[blackprophesy]

PCPer reported the same thing. I think it was in their podcast, not an article though. Either way it does look sweet but for an HTPC box it's lacking an optical bay. Edit: Ah there's a slim bay, damn that's slick:

That's an awesome looking case...and just what I've been looking for, and with the news they're addressing the logo it's even better! That will be my living room PC.

[LordAlu]

I am just putting the pieces together on my new build and was hoping for a bit of advice. I have a Bitfenix Merc case, I5 3570k processor and a gigabyte z77 d3h motherboard, 8 gig of corsair vengeance ram. I also have a wireless card to add and a 560ti graphics card. So far I have installed the power supply, motherboard,processor,ram, DVDRW, SATA hard drive. My question is should I install windows etc prior to installing the graphics card? I know the motherboard has onboard graphics so was wondering if there may be conflicts when I try to install if both are connected.

No, put your graphics card in and hook your monitor up to that. When you start it up for the first time it will detect your card in there and output through it. Head into the BIOS and disable anything to do with on-board graphics and then install Windows. :)

Where can I get the drivers for my usb bluetooth? Its called Generic bluetooth radio I got it with a cd but the cd is broken :/

Does it have a product name or number on the physical USB stick?

[Negaiido]

Case: Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced (USB 3.0 version) Cooling: Thermalright Silver Arrow Graphics Card: Asus GTX680-2GD5 Processor: Intel Core i5 3570K Boxed PSU: Corsair Enthusiast TX550M - reason: My current PSU is non-modular and it was a nightmare to build SSD: Samsung 830 series 256GB Mobo: Gigabyte GA-Z77X-D3H

So I changed a bit to the setup that i want, might not buy the case if my current case(912 Plus) doesn't fit with all compnents. Are the PSU's and the processor good enough? I was thinking about getting 650W and a i7 processor but not sure if it's worth it.

[MrBig]

So I changed a bit to the setup that i want, might not buy the case if my current case(912 Plus) doesn't fit with all compnents. Are the PSU's and the processor good enough? I was thinking about getting 650W and a i7 processor but not sure if it's worth it.

How long do you want this to last, and for what? I would switch the 680 to a 670 and use the money saved from that on a 3770k. PSU is fine.

[LordAlu]

So I changed a bit to the setup that i want, might not buy the case if my current case(912 Plus) doesn't fit with all compnents. Are the PSU's and the processor good enough? I was thinking about getting 650W and a i7 processor but not sure if it's worth it.

PSU and Processor are fine. I'd only go for an i7 if you're gonna be doing rendering or mega video rendering or streaming sorta thing.

[Negaiido]

How long do you want this to last? I would switch the 680 to a 670 and use the money saved from that on a 3770k. PSU is fine.

I'd like to make it last atleast 1-2 years? Might even upgrade a bit more but my current setup does not allow easy upgrades(and OC'ing). I could even get 680 and 3770k, what 670 is the best then? Asus GTX670-DC2T-2GD5 ?

PSU and Processor are fine. I'd only go for an i7 if you're gonna be doing rendering or mega video rendering or streaming sorta thing.

Might want to stream a bit but nothing hardcore or anything, I guess i7 is really not necessary.